> Afrika Korps > by cellum95 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Transported > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was in 1943 that the Afrika Korps, Germany's elite units to help their Italian counter-parts, is on the defensive. After the serious defeat in El Alamein, they retreated towards Vichy-held Tunisia, but they have another thing to worry. The 'Torch' landings happened in 1942, in Algeria with a mix of American and British soldiers. Facing enormous odds, the Afrika Korps will stand against their attackers. Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, commonly known as the Desert Fox, always lead his men wherever they go. The troops always needed him, and in due cases, they have enormous success on their belts. Now in the defensive, he must lead his troops not to be roped by the Allies. In his FOB(Forward Operation Base) in Tunisia, with his trusted Panzers and soldiers, they are discussing a possible way to get back into their initiative. However, Lt. Col. Bunsher Howel burst into the room. "Generalfeldmarschall, Wir haben ein großer Wüste Sturm.(Field Marshal, we got a big desert storm.)" However, the Field Marshal was calm, and the Lt. Col. knew this expression enough. A desert storm will not hamper their operation, even if their Panzers got caught in it. The storm reached the FOB, and some men got into their Panzers for protection. Others got into the FOB Tent itself. When the storm ended, they are gone. Where did they go after the storm? -Equestria- The Mane 6, or known as the wielders of the Elements of Harmony, are having a beautiful picnic just in the outskirts of the Ponyville. Twilight Sparkle, the newly crowned princess of Equestria and her friends, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack and Pinkie Pie are all enjoying themselves, even some relaxation. "Hey girls! Who wants some of Sugarcube Corner's favorite cupcakes?" Pinkie asked her friends with a box of cupcakes. "Hey I want some! Your cupcakes are awesome Pinkie!" Rainbow Dash replied. "Now now girls. Don't get too excited about Pinkie's cupcakes you know." Twilight said with a chuckle. The Mane 6 get their respective cupcakes and eat them with so much delight. Suddenly, Fluttershy was staring at a single direction. "Uhm...Fluttershy dear, what's bugging you in this day of relaxation." But Fluttershy did not utter a single word, only instead pointing a hoof at that direction. The other Mane 6 look at is and a massive sand storm was heading their way. The storm got to them 5 minutes later, but the Mane 6 was shielded by Twilight's shield spell and hid in a bush. When the storm was gone, the shield collapsed, revealing a something that the ponies never seen before. 'What the....' Twilight was loss in her words in her thoughts when she and her friends saw it. They saw a tent of some sorts, with some 'turtles' with 'sticks' poking out of the 'shells'. But what they saw even more astounds them. Coming out of the tent was a bipedal creature, with a black uniform, something around his neck, and a cap. More creatures got out the tent, with some coming out of the 'turtles'. "Field Marshal, the storm had vanished, and we could.....Wait a minute! How could I speak English?!" The ponies heard one of them said. "It is also mind-bogging that we could speak English, it doesn't matter. We should go back to our post and get the Panzers on their post, until I could form a plan." A series of 'Aye sir's' were heard from the beings with a salute, and they get to their 'posts'. The 'Field Marshal', and some of them move into the tent, while the others got into the 'turtles' and some roars were out. The 'turtles' moved, getting to their positions. The lead 'turtles' of each positions looked in some direction with something held in their deformed hooves. 'Who are they?' Twilight thought in her mind as the 'Field Marshal' with his races come out of the tent. "Are you sure Rommel? Staying here would be suicide, with those British and Americans gonna kill us if they caught us." "Don't worry Lt. Col. You know what the Afrika Korps is capable of." "Of course Field Marshal." Twilight, unable to stand it any longer, wanted to stand up, but Rarity stopped her. "Now now Twilight dear. It's not wise to stand up and do something. We don't know what they are capable of." "Rarity is right Twi. We y'all don't know what they have possessed." Applejack added. Twilight, though for a moment, before answering: "Your right girls. Let us go back to Canterlot to inform Princess Celestia about it." With some nod of agreement, they set off towards Canterlot. What they don't know, is that an observer noticed them. -Afrika Korps FOB- "Sir, I found some contacts due 11 o'clock." The observer notified Erwin Rommel. "What is it Lt.?" "Well the contacts are....well it's being weird of course." "Just tell me Lt." "Well the contacts are....miniature horses." "Well then, it is weird. However, keep in alert, because those....horses could be bad business." "Why do you have that opinion sir?" "It's just a hunch Lt. Regardless, we should have a scout team with some of our Panzers. How many Panzers do we have anyway Lt.?" "Not that much sir. Just 18 Panzer IV's, and 10 Panzer III's. All in all, we have 28 Panzers." "Okay then, here's the plan for the scout team. There must be 5 Panzer IV's and 4 Panzer III's in that team. And you, Lt., will lead it." "I won't let you down sir." Lt. said with a salute and pride. "I know you won't." And that was settled, the scout team, compromising 5 Panzer IV's and 4 Panzer III's(that would be 9 Panzers), led by the Lt. As soon preparations was done, the scout team rolled out from the FOB. > Panzers! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Princess Twilight and her friends Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Rainbow Dash set off towards Canterlot to inform Princess Celestia and Luna about what was happening. But first, they must pass Ponyville first. "Well shoot. We must inform the Princess quickly!" Twilight cried in a panic. After seeing those biped creatures, she thought that they are trying to invade Equestria, even though they arrived here minutes ago. "Twilight dear, you must not fear them. However, I do also because of their 'turtles' you know." Rarity assured her friend with a hoof at her friends back. "Thanks Rarity. I needed that." "No problem dear." The friends continued their walk, not knowing the 'turtles' are following them without them even noticing. -Panzer Scout Force- The Panzer Scout Force, organized by Rommel himself, were now scouting the vicinity. They prided themselves, like Rommel, to have exceptional results. The force was compromised with 5 Panzer IV's(armed with long-barreled 75 mm Gun) and 4 Panzer III's(still having their 37mm Guns) and they rolled out in pride. "For some time that we have combat experience. Unfortunately, I don't go scouting much often, just observation." Lt. sighed in the radio. "Your an observer, so that means you also scout." Another voice from Panzer 550 said. "Oh well. Stop!" The Lt. cried as all of the Panzer's stopped at an instant. "What's wrong Lt.?" The commander of Panzer 709 asked. "Take a look of what's in front of us." The commander look out of their respective hatches and saw what's in front them. In front was a village, and the commanders were dumbfounded. "Lt., what do you know about this?" The commander of Panzer 230 asked the still confused Lt. "I know this is civilization, but I don't know it's inhabitants." "Should we try to contact Field Marshal Erwin Rommel?" "I'll try." Lt. replied as he goes to his radio and contacted the Afrika Korps FOB. "This is the Lt. of the Panzer Scout Force. Do you copy Marshal?" The Lt. radioed over. "Yes I hear you loud and clear son. What's the current status of your scouting mission?" The Marshal replied back to the radio. "Well we encountered a village, and I believe it's civilization, but I don't know it's inhabitants. What do you suggest Rommel? Should we try to rush in or by-pass the village?" The Lt. asked his superior, and after a long 2 minute silence, the Field Marshal replied: "I don't want you to go into uncharted territory. You must by-pass the village and continue with your scouting." "But the village is the only thing that those....horses got into. Other than that, it's full of forest area." The Field Marshal was struck, knowing that the 2nd option is all but useless. He then radioed: "Okay, just move into the village, but don't attract unwanted attention. If you do, don't engage. Only engage if they try to attack your force. Copy that?" "Copy that Field Marshal." The Lt. copy back before his connection with the FOB is cut. "So, what are we gonna do Lt.?" The commander of Panzer 013 asked. "Okay listen up men. We are going into the village, but no one must fire a shot. And don't attract any attention, and if one of us did, no one shall attack them, unless they attack us. Understood?" With a lot of 'yes sirs' in the radio, the force rolls out again, this time going into the village. -Mane 6 Perspective- The Mane 6 is still some meters away from the train station leading towards Canterlot. Twilight was still having the element of nervousness in her mind, but her friends notice it. "Twilight dear, is something wrong?" Rarity asked. "Oh nothing. It's just, well, I'm nervous because of those creatures." Twilight replied. "Oh shucks. Don't Twilight, the princesses will have something to think about." Rainbow Dash said. "Yeah but-" Twilight was cut off by a loud scream. "TURTLES! TURTLES HEADING TOWARDS CANTERLOT!" The Mane 6 turned around their heads and saw the same 'turtles' in the outskirts of Ponyville. They are charging at their direction, in which their speed got them dumbfounded. How could these 'turtles' got that speed that fast? They are now closing, but it seems that their intended target was them! However, 2 Guards ponies stepped in and said: "In the name of Princess Celestia, we command you stop!" The 'turtles' didn't stop, so the guards had no choice but to use their spears. Using their magic, they throw it at the 'turtles', but the spears just bounced off. However, it seems did the job, and the 'turtles' stop. However, a reply came with a sudden: *BANG!* Fire and smoke come out the 'stick', and the weapon struck the ground with such ferocity, that the Mane 6 and the Guards were now frightened. *BANG, BANG, BANG!* 3 more fire and smoke come out of the 3 other 'turtles', all struck the ground. The ponies then ran for their lives, and to their horror, 'turtles' began to chase them. -Panzer Scout Force Perspective- "Sir, they fired a projectile at our tank!" The driver of the Panzer IV said. "All tanks stop!" The tanks stopped some distance in front of the....horses. "Loader, load an HE Shell at the main gun, and Gunner, give them a warning shot." "HE Loaded!" "Target confirmed!" "Fire!" The main gun fired it's deadly cargo, and struck the ground. However, the horses didn't move. "Panzer 245 loaded and ready to fire!" the commander said. "Panzer 678 loaded and ready to fire!" "Panzer 100 ready!" "Fire!" The three Panzers shoot their shells, striking again the ground, this time the horses turned tail and was trying to outrun them. "Sir, they are now retreating, what should we do?" The commander of Panzer 678 asked. "We must chase them, but no guns blazing." The Panzers started to move again, this time to chase those pests. > Knowing the Afrika Korps > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Mane 6 run for their lives, as the dangerous 'turtles' are chasing them in speed. The two guards ponies are escorting the Mane 6's escape. However, another *bang* got them in their spines, and another impact on the ground got them running faster. The 'turtles' doesn't show any signs of weariness at all. 'How could these turtles chase us without any fatigue?' Twilight thought in her mind while she and her friends are still running. -Canterlot Castle- Canterlot Castle was a magnificent building, built specifically for the Royal Sisters, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. In her quarters, Luna was just busy doing some royal work when the door flew open. It revealed the Sun Princess, none other than Princess Celestia herself. "Hello there sister. What comes here in my chambers?" Luna said to her older sister. "Oh nothing sister. I just wanted to come visit my beloved sister's chambers." Celestia replied. "Oh well. Well then, I supposed you need to see what's in the cosmos." Luna said with a chuckle. She got Celestia into a balcony with a simple telescope, looking towards the skies. "I believe the honor is your sister." Luna said with a smile. Celestia took the telescope and pointed it to the bright sky. However, some brown dust was coming from the horizon. "Hey Lulu, what's that?" Celestia asked her sister. "What?" Luna asked back at her older sister. "Take a look for yourself." Celestia brought the telescope to Luna, who viewed it more closely. And there, in the north, was something not right. Brown dust was in the sky. Luna thought that it doesn't feel right, but when she goes about some degree downwards, something caught her eye. There was 8 ponies and a swirling mass of brown dust. "Uhm...Tia, I think we need to see those 8 ponies." Luna said. "But-" But Celestia was cut off as the Dark blue colored Alicorn transported them towards the 8 ponies. -Panzer Scout Force- The Panzer Force is now chasing the 8 horses that are now galloping towards to the north. The men are having high spirits that they could capture these horses and see if they have answers for why they attack them. "So your saying that those inhabitants attack you, but their weapons bounced off the Panzer's armor?" Rommel asked during a conversation with the Lt. from radio. "Yes sir. And we are now currently chasing them towards the north." Lt. replied. "Okay then. Continue the chase, but if you encountered something utterly powerful, retreat to the FOB and we'll have a defensive perimeter." "Aye Field Marshal." The Lt. cut off the radio, but a sudden blue light stopped the Panzers dead in their tracks. "Sir something just appeared out of nowhere." The driver said. "Hey gunner! Could you identify the target?" The Lt. asked the calm Panzer gunner. After a quick look at his targeting sights, the gunner replied: "Sir, I identified two large horses at our way. The 8 little ones, well let's just say they are staring at those two. What's our course of action sir?" The Lt. thought for a moment about his decision, to do something about those two troublesome horses standing at his way. However, he remembered what the Field Marshal, he said to the radio: "All Panzer units retreat! We must inform about the Field Marshal about our situation, but the guns must fire some rounds just to get some distance!" The Panzer units know what the Lt. meant. Retreat, follow Rommel's defensive orders and leave a message: You must know the capabilities of the Afrika Korps. -Pony Perspective- The Mane 6 and the two guards ponies are getting tired from the running they endured for so long. Their pursuers, on the other hand, doesn't slow down from fatigue or exhaustion. 'What will it take for this turtles just to slow down?' Twilight asked her mind. However, a sudden blue flash was emitted between them and the 'turtles'. When the flash was gone, it revealed the Royal Sisters, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Suddenly, the 'turtles' stopped, just some distance between them and the princesses. 'Phew. At least the princesses show authority.' Twilight initially thought as the confrontation lasted minutes, until some time, however, the 'turtles' emitted again 'smoke and fire', and they make a retreat towards the Everfree Forest. "Tia? What should we do?" Luna asked her sister. "Send in the scout force. I don't want them to go back." Celestia replied to her sister. The message was clear for the ponies: They must find before these 'turtles' could cause potential harms. However, they didn't know that the 'turtles' had a very cunning mind in their arsenal. -Afrika Korps FOB- "So your saying that a sudden flash got in the way and out comes two larger horses?" Rommel asked the Lt. when the Panzer Scout Force returned, with three-fourth fuel left for the force. "Yes Field Marshal. However, we made a message to them, but I doubt that they will just sit and wait." The Lt. replied. "I believe so. Men! Get the Panzers into defensive position and get them hidden. Let's give them a nasty surprise." With a large of 'Aye sirs', the men got to work, Panzers into defensive positions, and waited for their opponents. > Defend the Afrika Korps! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Panzers got to their defensive positions, crew ready, shell loaded and they are sitting still like statues to fool the enemy. For their plan, fool the enemy that the Panzers are abandoned and attack them unexpectedly. "Hey Field Marshal. This is Panzer 777 reporting." "Go ahead with your report commander." Rommel replied to the radio. "Okay then. I could see a small group of armored....horses heading towards to the east. They are probably searching for us." Rommel pondered for a moment of the report. He knows that these horses are not coming to his FOB, so he changes tactics. "Send Panzer 889 to lure them to us. Once he lured them, wait for my signal until Panzer 889 is at the base and open fire at them." "Got it Rommel." The commander said as he forecast Rommel's order to Panzer 889, a Panzer III Tank. When the commander of the panzer got the order, the Panzer rolled out, to lure the enemy to the cunning teeth of Rommel. -Pony Scout Force- The Royal Guards that are in the scout are comprised of Captain Shining Armor, and some 7 ponies as well. They are walking cautiously towards the east, to Sweet Apple Acres. "Captain, is is necessary to go to Sweet Apple Acres? I mean those 'turtles' are fast, and there's no way that they are hiding in the farm." One of the guards said. "Don't worry. Although they are fast, they won't survive against our magic." Shining replied with confidence. "Well, the spears didn't kill them." Another guard said. "WHAT?!" "Yes it's true. I was one of the guards who tried to protect them, and we threw our spears just to stop them. However, the spears didn't kill one of them." "Oh well. Magic could be the only option that could stop them." Shining said with a heavy sigh. "Hey guys! Stop and listen!" One of the guards shouted. They all stopped and listen. They did hear it, and it's coming closer and closer. When they spin their heads, they could see a 'turtle' moving at them. They formed a tight pack, and the 'turtle' began to circle them. After a few runs, the 'turtle' moves out again to the direction of the north-west. "Men! Let's chase the turtle!" Shining shouted to his men, and with a lot of 'Yes sirs!' from the ponies, they ran up towards the 'turtle'. What they don't know, is that it's a deadly trap, and will soon pay the heavy price for it. -Afrika Korps Awaiting Panzers- "Hey Rommel! How long would it take for Panzer 889 to come back?" The Lt. asked his superior in the radio. "I don't know Lt. However, I have confidence that it will come back." Rommel replied to the radio. As a cue, the commander of Panzer 889 piped in the radio. "Sir, we have the horses chasing after us! We are now at least 30 seconds from your position." "Thank you commander. All right men! Get ready to fire the guns!" Rommel ordered his men. The commanders took the orders and the Panzers got to their ready positions. When Panzer 889 come in close, they waited and waited. After the Panzer is in, Rommel said: "FEUER!(FIRE!)" The Panzers fired their main guns, and soon, loud bangs were heard and they hit their targets with deadly precision and accuracy, killing the horses with ease. -Chasing Scout Force- The ponies are chasing the 'turtle', but it's speed was fast enough to outrun them, not to mention that they are now exhausted. However, when it was 10 seconds, the ponies could see other 'turtles' and they were idle. 'Perfect.' Shining thought in confidence as he saw those 'turtles'. However, when the 'turtle' got to the point, the other 'turtles' sending out 'fire and smoke', hitting his comrades with deadly accuracy, killing them. 'What the-' Shining got confused in his thoughts as the 'turtles' keeps sending out 'fire and smoke', killing more of his comrades. "Hey Captain! What should we do now?!" One of the guards asked him in a panic tone. In his mind, he should stay and fight to the death. However, in his heart and soul he must gave the order 'Retreat', knowing that if he didn't, he will harm not only his comrade's lives, but the innocent lives as well. "Retreat." Shining said with a sigh. "What?!" "You heard me: Retreat! We must fall back and inform the princess about this." With the guards saying 'Yes', they retreated back towards Canterlot, with a heavy feeling of shame in their heads. But they knew their Captain decision, it was enough. The 'turtles' are too much for them to handle. They must send in the big guns. > 'Operation: Visitation' > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Sir, the enemy is retreating we don't have any casualties!" The Lt. reported to his German superior. "Good. Alright men! Let's get back to our what-to-do basis!" With a lot of 'Yes sir', the Panzers got back to their regular positions, while Rommel and some men got back to the FOB. -Canterlot Castle- Canterlot Castle is a castle that should be described by one word: magnificent. Resting in a mountain, the castle itself overlooks the town of Ponyville while it's breathtaking view would awe it's citizens. It's home of the Royal Sisters, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. They stopped the 'turtles' from harming the elements, and sends in a scout team to look for those potential threats. "Tia, are you sure this is a wise decision? You already know what they are capable of in first hoof right?" Luna asked her older sister and Sun Goddess, Celestia. "I don't know if it's a wise decision Lulu. But, if those 'turtles' got to harm our little ponies, then we have no choice." Tia replied to her answer. As a cue, a guards pony came in and said: "Sorry princesses, but Captain Shining Armor is here. He wishes to report something." "Alright, let him in." The huge throne room doors, and Shining Armor, Twilight's brother, came in. "Hello there your majesties." Shining formally said. "Hello there Shining Armor. What will you report to us today?" Celestia asked the Royal Guard Captain. "Well, me and my men got to the scouting mission as you commanded. However, a 'turtle' got to us in relatively medium speed, circling us about. We decided to chase it, but when we got super close, other 'turtles' popped out and started belching 'fire and smoke'. However, the fire didn't reach my men, rather, something hit my men, killing them with precise accuracy. With a heavy heart, I ordered a retreat, but the 'turtles' didn't chase us." Shining reported. "Well then, this is kind of odd. Normally turtles don't give off 'fire and smoke', could go medium speeds and having to hit the enemy with the 'fire' not to hit our guards. It's very mysterious." Luna noted. "What's your proposal princess?" Shining asked the princess. "I don't know yet, but if your request a quick solution, usually an attack, it might be possible. However, we must visit the 'turtles' to have a a word with their ruler." Celestia replied. "But princess-" But Shining was cut off by Luna's voice. "Sorry captain, but we need to visit them before making any comprehensions." "Yes your majesty." And with that, Shining left the room, leaving the princesses. "Tia, is this an okay decision?" Luna asked her sister. "I do hope so Lulu. I pray that it won't go off to the worst." -Afrika Korps- "Hey Erwin! So your planning to have a 'visit' with them before stating into an act of invasion?" The Lt. asked his superior. "Yes Lt. I will lead 'Operation: Visitation' just to observe the behavior of the citizens. If it's on deadly status, then we will go on to full force tactics." Rommel replied. "Well then, you must better get moving." The Lt. said. "Your right." After saying that, Rommel got out of the FOB Tent and hoped in into his respective vehicle, Panzer 098. Before going off, he said to his Lt.: "Protect this base from anyone or anybody not part of the Afrika Korps." "Yes Rommel. I would not fail." The Lt. replied. "I know you won't." Rommel, with some Panzers to have 'Operation: Visitation' ready to set forth. Rommel and his team rolled out to the north, into the direction of Ponyville and Canterlot. -Mane 6 Perspective- "Ah can't believe those turtles would hurt us!" Applejack exclaimed in rage. "Me too. However, there's something odd about those turtles." Fluttershy said. "Then what is it?" Rainbow Dash asked her. "Well the only thing that bothers me is that those turtles had reasonable speeds, while normal turtles come in slow. Also, turtles don't belch out fire and smoke. It's something off." Fluttershy replied to her pegasus companion. "She's right. It's no other turtles I know." Twilight noted. However, a voice piped up and said: "THE TURTLES ARE BACK!" The Mane 6 scanned the their up-coming surroundings, and indeed they could see the same 'turtles'. However, they could see that these 'turtles' are having some kind of spinning 'feet' to move. 'What are these turtles?' Twilight asked herself as she observed the 'turtles' more closely. On the front, was a mark. A cutie mark perhaps. It was a symbol of a tree and a distorted something. 'What kind of cutie mark is that?' Twilight asked herself again as she and her friends looked at the direction the 'turtles' are heading. Being eight of them, they are supposedly moving towards.... 'Canterlot!' She exclaimed as the 'turtles' bypassed them, heading towards the Capital of Equestria. -Luna's Chamber- Luna, being the Princess of the Night, is now sleeping more so for she is now tired for the time being, weary of what she does in the night. However, noises coming from the direction of Ponyville got her jolting out of bed. 'What in...Can somepony give the Princess of the Night a good night sleep.' She exclaimed calmly at her head at she trotted to the balcony, where her observing telescope still there. Observing the horizon, she could see a cloud of dust, kicked by somepony who is angry. She got to her telescope, she could see an enormous cloud of dust kicked by the....'turtles'. 'Oh buck.' She cursed in her thoughts as she flew towards her sisters personal chamber, which is on the other direction of her own chamber. > Panzer Visitation > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "TIA! WAKE UP!" Luna shouted as she entered the chamber of her sister, Celestia. She could see Celestia waking up, probably a nap of some sort. "-Yawn- Hello Lulu. What's up?" Celestia asked her sister. "The Turtles! They're coming towards Canterlot!" Luna replied to her sister. Realizing what she meant, she quickly jolt out of bed and said: "Let us make haste. I doubt these turtles would be friendly." Celestia said to her sister. "I agree." Luna replied as she and her sister flew out to confront the 'turtles' once more. -Rommel's Perspective- The Panzer Visitation Force, compromising 8 Panzers, led by Rommel himself, is moving towards the direction of the north. The force compromised of 4 Pz. IV's and 4 Pz. III's. These combination of the 37 mm and 75 mm will prove deadly if you provoke them. "Sir, I could see something up ahead." The commander of Panzer 111 informed. "Could you identify those targets up ahead?" Rommel both asked and commanded at the same time. "Sure thing Rommel." The commander said. After a few moments of silence, the commander piped on the radio. "Sir, I could see ten armored....horses in front of us. They are fully armed sir. Should we open fire?" Rommel pondered his thoughts for his decision. But before he could finally made his decision, another commander said: "Sir, two larger horses coming in-bound to land. We have now 12 targets. Should we open fire?" "No not yet. We must be cautious though, if they attack us. If they do, permission to engage." Rommel replied. "Heer Field Marshal." The commanders said as they still roll in a thundering pace. -Princesses View- "Are you sure this is a good idea Lulu?" Celestia asked her young sister. "Don't worry Celestia. I do hope these turtles stopped once again and fall back like the last time." Luna replied to her older sister. They landed wherein the ten guards are at their defensive stance. "Princess! Those turtles are coming towards Canterlot! We must-" One of the guards ponies was cut off by Celestia's hoof at his mouth. "Don't worry my little pony. I hope that these turtles stop with our presence." Celestia calmly said. The guard pony release a sigh of relief and got back to his post. However, the turtles didn't back down, turn tail and ran back, or just stop. They are just keeping their momentum of speed. 'What the.....I hope they stop within our presence! What's their momentum to charge at us?' Luna thought in her mind confused. 'Something doesn't feel right.' The 'turtles', still keeping their speed, is now charging at...them! 'Uh oh.' Luna now realized that these 'turtles' aren't ordinary turtles. Not only these turtles didn't seem to care, but they are also fast. Suddenly, a spear was being thrown out, like it was a desperate gamble to stop them. However, the spear just bounced off of the front of the 'turtles'. However, it seems that the 'turtles' suddenly stopped in their tracks. 'Well, that did the trick.' Luna thought in joy, but that joy won't last forever. The 'shells' of the 'turtles' began moving, pointing their 'sticks' at....them! However, her decision was slow when suddenly.... *BOOM!* A large bang was heard, and soon, one of the guards was hit and was dead in an instant. They turned around and saw the lead 'turtle' has smoke in it's 'stick', so it made the bang. However, it was just the beginning of their worries. Moments later, another 'turtle' just moved forward and turned it's 'stick' towards another guard. 'Uh oh.' Celestia worried in her head as the large bang was heard again, this time seeing first hand the 'fire and smoke' effect. The fire didn't reach the guard however, but something hit the guard and rip him to pieces. 'This is bad.' Celestia said in her thoughts, as she realized the whole 'turtle' army moves forward and creating bangs, 'fire and smoke', and hitting her royal subjects without the fire reaching them. Then, a dreadful fate had come. One of the 'turtles' spotted Luna, making her a prime target. 'NNNNNNNOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!' Celestia screamed in her head as the 'turtle' breath up it's fire. Luna was caught off-guard, but something impacted the ground, blasting her instead towards the sky. Celestia tried to save her sister, but a royal guard insists to retreat. It was a difficult decision for Celestia: Save her sister, or defend her subjects. Her heavy heart gave the decision to rescue her subjects, and she soon utter the word 'Retreat'. -Panzer Visitation Force- "Rommel, we got the enemy running back. Should we pursue them?" The commander of Panzer 113 asked. "No. We must not. I fear they will bolster their ranks in infinitive numbers. However-" The German Field Marshal was cut off by his Panzer's driver. "Sorry to interrupt you Field Marshal, but there's something in the ground." "What could you see driver?" "Supposedly an indigo colored horse." Really? The Field Marshal poked his head out of the commander's cupola and saw the horse, lying in the ground. He soon get out of the Panzer, with his crew and men trying to asses what will happen. Rommel approached the horse, and tries to establish if it's still breathing. He checks it's chest, and it's still moving in a steady breathing. However, he knew it was unconciouss. "Sir, what will we do?" Rommel turned his head and saw the commander of Panzer 113. "Take this horse back to the FOB. We will have a word, if anyone of you could speak horse language." Rommel replied as his men tried to lift the horse towards the back of one of the Panzers. > Saved by the Afrika Korps > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Luna opened her eyes, and come upon a horrifying seen. She could see four bipedal creatures, all staring at her like she was an science experiment. She tries to get up, but realized she was strapped to metal. Calling out loud, she said: "WHAT THE BUCK IS THIS?!" Her outburst did nothing to the creatures, except for the forward one, who was as she guessed as the leader. "Field Marshal, should we even talk to this creature? Although horses can't talk, this particular one is....a bit odd." Luna eyed-widened at the fact she is now staring at a Field Marshal, an old rank which is the highest rank of all. "Don't worry Lt., I'm sure there's a particular reason why this horse could talk. If I see any of you tried to interrupt our little conversation, I will be sure that you will running 20 times over. Got that men?" "Yes sir!" Three of the bipedal creatures just walk away towards at what she saw as the 'turtles'. That only leaves the 'Field Marshal'. "Hello, my name is Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, leader of the Afrika Korps. What's your name?" The creature asked in a seemingly calm and gesturing voice. "I WON'T TELL EVEN IF I-" She was cut off by another bipedal creature, this time wearing a helmet and had a club pointed at her. "Field Marshal, do I have the permission to blow this creature up, or I should leave you with this?" "Just leave us. I would talk to her our current situation." The creature saluted back and ran back towards his comrades. "Okay, I will repeat my question. Who are you?" "-Sigh- Fine. My name is Princess Luna, co-ruler of Equestria and Ruler of the Night." This reply shocked the Field Marshal. "My where are my manners? Surely a princess must not be tied up like a pig. Men! Get this creature out of the back of the Panzer!" Immediately more of the bipedal creatures ran towards her, and cut off the rope. She rose up, and still rubbing off the marks. "Thank you uhm....What was your name again?" "Field Marshal Erwin Rommel ma'am. I didn't know your a princess." "-Chuckle- That surprised me. Okay one question: Why did those 'turtles' attacked us?" "Pardon?" "Why are those 'turtles' that breath 'fire and smoke' attacked us?" "Ah....Our Panzers. Our goal was simple: Just scout the land, and if your inhabitants attacked us, we shall use our full force to get out of the dire situation." Rommel replied with a smile. Luna observed him more closely, and suddenly found a thing around his neck. "What's that?" Luna asked, pointing her hoof at the Knight's Cross. "Oh this. This is my award from our beloved Fuhrer, Adolf Hitler. He awarded me this during my men's campaign in North Africa. It's known as the Knight's Cross." Rommel explained in detail. "What's this campaign in North Africa you speak of?" Luna asked. But before the Field Marshal could reply, one of his men alerted him of movement near the forest. "Hey Lt., do you know what kind of thing would make that?" "I don't know Rommel, but something is not right." The Lt. was right. Mere seconds later, wolves just showed up, with their eyes, probably with hunger, staring at not at the men of the Afrika Korps, but at Luna. They charged at her, trying to her lung into her just to have a taste of Luna's delicious skin. 'This is it. My death.' Luna thought in her head as she closed her eyes, waiting her demise. However, a familiar bang was heard, and when she opened her eyes, she could see one of the 'turtles' pointing it's stick at the wolves. More of them just showed up and started firing at the wolves. Some of the bipeds pointed their clubs at the wolves and started having 'fire and smoke' like the 'turtles'. 'What the...'Luna was lost in her thoughts as more of the wolves were being blown up to pieces. One by one, the wolves began to retreat as they saw their comrades die. Minutes later, the battle was over. Luna eyed-widened in awe as she saw the bipeds coming out of the 'turtles', shouting in joy, like they just won a war. "Hey Princess," Luna turned around and saw the Field Marshal "are you alright?" "Yeah I'm fun. I must say though, your men are surpassing the Royal Guards in defending." "-Laugh- Believe me Princess, we are also capable in the offensive." "Please Field Marshal, let us talk, and have some chit-chat." "Whatever you say Princess." Rommel sat down with Luna and began his lecture of his military history, from his famous 7th Panzer "Ghost" Division, to his career in North Africa towards his rank to Field Marshal. -Twilight's Perspective- Twilight and her friends are now discussing the possibilities to defeat the 'turtles', who are some coined as 'immortals.' "What girls? What do you suggest to defeat those turtles?" Twilight asked her friends. "So far as I see dear, they must get out of town before they kill more of the guards, or worse, the princess." Rarity replied. "Let's kick some of their flanks!" Rainbow Dash shouted in confidence. "Ah like to buck their faces like it was nothin'." Applejack said. However, large bangs were heard even before Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie got to suggest. "Come on girls! We must investigate it!" Twilight said in pride, and with her proud saying, she and her friends are racing towards the bangs, but they will have surprising seeings in their lives forever. > Investigation Almost Gone Wrong*Super Edited* > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight and her friends are trying to investigate the large bangs coming from near Sweet Apple Acres. However, they didn't know about who made the bangs earlier. "Who wants to create such large bangs dear?" Rarity asked Twilight. "I don't know Rarity. However, you know we are investigating who made the bangs right?" Twilight replied. "Ah don't like it, but we must give it a shot." Applejack said. "Yeah b..but girls, I don't think t....those bangs are natural." Fluttershy pointed out. "Why is that?" Twilight asked her pegasus friend. "Well normally the bangs are made because of the Sonic Rainboom of Rainbow Dash, or the ones in Appleloosa. However, because of those bangs made loudly, I don't think it's natural." Fluttershy replied. "But, nopony got to the bang of my Sonic Rainboom!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. Her friends thought of it for a moment. True, nopony had ever got to the 'bang' of Rainbow Dash's Sonic Rainboom. However, this bangs come out of nowhere, and RD didn't practice for it yet. There was something else that made the bangs, but who made it? "Yes your right. Nopony would have gotten to the bang, but these bangs are not made by you, because your not practicing, or these bangs are made by somepony else." Twilight said. "So who would make such bangs dear?" Rarity asked. "I don't know Rarity. However, we must find it still." Twilight replied. They Mane 6 continued in their investigation, until such time that they are in the outskirts of Ponyville, and they can't believe what they saw. It was the same tent when it appeared out of nowhere during the 'sand storm' incident. Another thing that astonished them is the same 'tortoises' are still there, and some biped creatures. One of them are talking to none other than.... 'LUNA!' Twilight screamed in her thought in joy as she saw the princess alive and well. However, they will bare the consequence of spying the Afrika Korps. -Afrika Korps- "So Field Marshal, do you love the night sky?" Luna asked Rommel, who was walking in a stroll with her. "We humans first hated the night sky, thinking it was just a ward of evil. However, time passes by and we grew more fascinated about it." Luna was shocked to learn about Rommel's reply. First, his species doesn't like the night sky first, but fascination grew like they were actually love to see it. "Uhm...So your saying that your species love the night sky?" "Mostly." The only word that keeps Luna's mind happier than it was. However, some rattling noises coming from somewhere startled the men and the Field Marshal, including Luna herself. "Sir did you hear that?!" His Lt. shouted back in question. "I could hear that Lt.! Something is out there! Quickly, get the men and search out! Don't get those things near the Panzers!" "Yes sir!" His men shouted back as they got to their metal clubs quickly with discipline zeal. Luna couldn't help but gaze in awe as the Field Marshal's team got to the point wherein they followed his orders without any doubt. The men searched in tight packs, not wanting their other comrades being attacked out of nowhere. 'His men surpass in discipline of the Royal Guards....How fascinating.' Luna thought as they men got to the point they need to use their Panzers as lights and protection. As they do, they could see a sparkles in one of the bushes, and the Panzers and men got near the bushes, and suddenly, six colorful miniature horses sprang up. "Halt!" one of the men shouted back as a warning. But the horses didn't move, but they instead advanced forward, and the men pointed their clubs at them. 'This is not good at this point.' Luna thought. "Stop!" The men turned around and heard Luna shouting an order. "Why did you gave us an order?" The Lt. asked. "Why do you even care?!" Luna shouted back. The men got taken away by her voice, but the men stood firm with their ground. "If you order my men Princess, I will be sure to have you and your companions in a very tight room, but not will be tortured." Luna turned her head and saw the Field Marshal. Being the leader, and true to his words, she is totally afraid of his authority. "I..I'm sorry..." She apologized to the German Field Marshal. "Apology accepted. However, if you dare ever to order my men, there would be a different punishment. Is that clear?" "Yes." For the men, they could the six ones gasped in shock as they could see the princess submitting to a lower classed creature. "Oh and one more thing: Who are these?" The Field Marshal asked, pointing his....finger to the Elements of Harmony. "Oh the Element bearers themselves. Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, meet Twilight Sparkle, the newest princess of Equestria, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy." Luna introduced the Element bearers not only to Rommel, but the whole Afrika Korps. "Element bearers huh? We will talk more about this tomorrow morning, is that clear?" Rommel said to reassure his position. "Okay then." Luna answered with only two words. And with that, the creatures left, leaving the seven ponies. "Do we even need to have a conversation or talk with this creature?" Twilight asked the Night Princess. "I do Twilight Sparkle. Regardless, we must sleep." She replied. The six ponies got to sleep to the ground, with the exception of Rarity who used a rock as a bed using her magic, and Luna who after all she is the protector of the Night. > Talk > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the next morning, the ponies waked up, only to find Luna still full awake, but with the sun still in the horizon. She was talking to the creatures, laughing with them. The Mane 6 didn't get what was happening, but then they heard: "Oh Luna! Your sister must be good, but your potential leadership skill might earn you one of our awards!" One of the creature said. "Thanks Rommel! However, I'm wondering what's the award your talking about." Luna replied. "The award is known as the Knight's Cross princess. It is award if one of us in the German Wehrmacht have exceptional leadership skills or bravery in the battlefield. You could see this around our necks princess. I was awarded with this during my men's campaign in the North African campaign." The creature replied. "Oh I could see. If I show it, I could get awarded with your 'Knights Cross'?" Luna asked. "Oh yes actually. But it's the decision of our Fuhrer." The creature replied. "Oh so you mean your 'Fuhrer' is the one deciding who will get the reward or not." "Precisely. Oh I think our 'friends' here is awake." The creature said when Luna and it turned their heads towards the Mane 6. Immediately, two other biped creatures stood up, it was like the creature Luna talk with. "WHO ARE YOU GUYS AND WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO TO US?!" Rainbow Dash blurted out, immediately sending ready-state creatures to attack, or in Luna's perspective, defend. "Whoa whoa there! Why did you get to conclusions like that?" The creature that Luna talked to asked. "Ah hate to this, but ah think RD here is right. What y'all gonna do to us?" Applejack said. "I don't think we have plans for you six here. However, we already decided for the princess here, so it's best just to stay put." The creature replied with a relatively stoic posture. Twilight observed it closely. The creature has a very classic black uniform and white one inside(in which Rarity has interest in), the 'Knights Cross' if Twilight remembered around it's neck and a cap. The other two has the same one, except they don't have the Knights Cross and they have some kind of helmet, but not entirely covering it's head. "So princess, you want to go home don't you?" The creature asked Luna. "Well yes, but walking there could be a pain in the butt. I could fly, but what about them?" Luna asked, pointing her hoof at the Mane 6. "We could use the Panzers just to get their. However, we are low of supplies we needed during our campaign back then. If we can't find it here, then we would be stalled here." The creature replied with worrying atmosphere in it. "Don't worry. I think I could duplicate your supplies if you want." Luna offered. "That's too generous of you, but I could give it a shot. MEN!" The creature shouted, getting the other biped creatures attention, and move towards it. "Okay men, we got a mission here. We would take the princess here and her friends to their homes with the Panzers. However we must not do anything stupid here. Attack in retaliation if threatened. Is that clear?!" The creature shouted orders, with a perfect unison of 'YES SIRS!' and they run towards to their points. Twilight was dumbfounded. These creatures are more organized and disciplined, and a few minutes later, the 'turtles' got out of hiding and was ready to set off. "Come with me." Rommel said, and the ponies began with, except for Luna, caution. They got to the point wherein they could see the 'turtles' better. They are not natural, but artificial, and the creature began to move to the 'shell' of the 'turtle', and he got inside. It poked it's head out, along with the rest of the other biped creatures. "Hop in." The creature, with Luna going in first. The Mane 6 also followed suit, but was in the outside of the Panzer. "Alright men! Let's get moving!" The men of the Afrika Korps got moving towards the direction of Sweet Apple Acres. -Sweet Apple Acres, minutes later- The Panzer force got to the point wherein, after some time of rolling out, to Applejack's home, Sweet Apple Acres. It's an apple farm with wide ranges of trees stretching everywhere towards to point of Appleloosa. "Well here we are." The creature said, prompting the Mane 6 to get to the ground again. "Why did y'all got us to mah farm?" Applejack asked. "Well we didn't have maps, and we didn't requested any assistance of direction. But we did get you home didn't we?" The creature said, getting Applejack to trot to her friends as a sign of confusion and happiness. The Panzer 102 got to the point wherein it entered the very lawn of the barn, followed by the other Panzers. "WHAT'S THAT NOISE?!" Applejack couldn't believe it. It was her sister's voice! The barn doors opened, revealing Granny Smith, her sister and her brother. "Applejack!" Applebloom exclaimed as she and her older sister hugged each other passionately. The soldiers saw this, and hung their heads low. Luna noticed the situation, so she trotted to one of the soldiers. "Hello. What's the matter?" Luna asked. "Nothing. It's just that...well...we miss our families. Fighting in a war wherein you will be separated from your family, and return or not." The soldier replied. "Hm....If I could remember, you were not here. If we could see what caused all of you to be here, then I'm sure I could try replicate that." "Well if you could." The soldier before the Field Marshal was facing them. "Okay men. We did our job. However, we must go back to our camp." With a lot 'Okay sir!' they got back to their Panzers and started their engines. When the Field Marshal got to his Panzer, he looked back and saw Luna, who was apparently sad about they were leaving her. "Are you gonna come back?" She asked. "Only if we needed to." The Field Marshal replied, and the Panzer Force began to go back to their encampment. > Luna's Lament > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Luna is just standing when she is still watching the Afrika Korps going back to their encampment. Just watching them in unison is one thing, but meeting them is another thing. It's like having a double life with half of your life dedicated to something while the other is on another thing. 'I wish we have been more professional.' She thought as she trotted towards the Mane 6, with a sad expression across her face. When she saw the Mane 6, she saw happiness more than ever. However, her heart was with the Afrika Korps, with their discipline zeal, organized ways and having good times with her. It was like she was accepted to the Korps, but now when she come back, her heart was missing a piece. "What's wrong Luna?" Luna turned her head and saw Twilight. "Oh nothing Twilight. It's just....It's just...." Luna was very lost in her words. "You miss them don't you?" Twilight asked. It was totally obvious. "Well, I...yes, I do miss them." Luna replied, but staggered among her words. "Why?" "Well, you see, it was like I was accepted to them. Heck, even if I do, my loyalty is with Equestria. However, it's on my mind. In my heart, though, it was with them." Luna's reply shocked Twilight, more so that Luna's ever loyalty is within those creatures. "Why do you have your loyalty with them? Your home is Equestria." Twilight pointed. "True, my home is Equestria, but my heart and loyalty is with them because well....let's just say they treated me much more." Luna replied. "Treated you more? Luna, we already treated you more." "Treated me more?! You know how all of you shunned my night a long time ago?! Thank for the night that these creatures appreciated the night more than all of you! I should not have this conversation." Luna said, sending a feeling of guilt towards Twilight. "I...I'm sorry. It's just that-" "Don't worry Twilight Sparkle. What is done is done. I cannot forgive myself of what I did, but I can do now because these creatures gave me the strength. I must speak to them before I leave for Canterlot. Any objections?" Luna asked, getting a shook head for her reply. And with that, she stretched her wings and flew towards the Afrika Korps before going back to her sister. -Afrika Korps- The Panzer Force had now gone back to their Forward Operation Base. The men are recollecting themselves of what happened, but they are happy of what they did. They escorted one of a head of a nation, and they did it well without any winch. But before they could fully celebrate what they have fully accomplished, a voice boomed out. "Sorry everyp-err everyone. I do hope I could give my full farewell to you all." They look at every direction, until they saw the Princess of the Night going back to them. "So a goodbye then. I wish we could meet for the rest of the day with you staying with us." Rommel said. "I'm afraid I can't. I have royal duties to attend to." The Afrika Korps, not wanting to say a full goodbye to their new found friend, gave a military salute, and she could see all of them are saluting to her. Replying back, she saluted, and she flew back towards back to Canterlot, not until she glanced on them still saluting, but are now waving goodbye. With a sad sigh, she continues on, not wanting to forget her friends that saved her. > Afrika Korps Says Goodbye > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Luna returned to Canterlot without any difficulty, despite having a frown face. It was still noon, so she has plenty of time to recompose herself in the matter, not just because she was captured by unknown creatures, but also was saved by them and knowing personally the Afrika Korps. 'Maybe if I tell Tia...No it's not gonna go friendly. She will have a search warrant because of this.' Luna thought as she pondered the possibility of telling her sister about the humans. In one sense, she could tell the entire world about the humans, but in the other sense, her sister will give the search warrant. Luna also knew that the humans mastered the art of war, much more than the Griffons. 'Okay....What am I gonna do now?' Luna asked in her thoughts. She is still pondering her decision when the door flew open, much to Luna's surprise. Behind the door was Shining Armor, Twilight's older brother and husband of Princess Cadence. "Hello Shining Armor! What brings you here?" Luna asked the Captain of the Royal Guards. "Oh nothing princess. A random letter just got stuck on your wings, strapped." Luna unfolded her wings, and indeed, a letter is strapped in her wings. Using her magic, she quickly got the letter and reads. What she will read will shook her world all together. "Dear Luna, If you are receiving this message, then we decided to go back to our home world. We, the Afrika Korps, can't stay here and do nothing to fight with our comrade. We are soldiers Luna, and we will fight to the last bullet. If you have questions in your mind, don't think about them right now. If you know something to send us back to our current destination, Tripoli, North Africa, date: September 1943, then we gladly appreciate. However, we must also conclude that our memories in here, but not our past history, shall be erased. The memories here in your land could trouble us, and could falter our operation. Also, your friends are very interesting to us, but sadly, we can't introduce ourselves properly to them because we need to go home. Don't weep for us princess, for when we die, the stars will carry us to everlasting peace, finally breaking free from the never ending nightmare of chaos and destruction. We hope you understand this message. Sincerely, Field Marshal Erwin Rommel and Afrka Korps P.S. Meet us with your friends in the town. We will discuss it." Luna can't believe it. Her new found friends, whom she befriended easily for just a day, is now leaving her! But she knew too well that they are soldiers, and she knew soldiers will carry their orders no matter what the odds stacked against them. But she felt her heart broken because of this news, and tears began to ran down to her cheeks. Shining Armor noticed it. "Uhm...Your highness, is something wrong?" He asked. Wiping the tears out of her cheeks off, she replied: "None Captain Shining Armor. Now, fetch me my sister and the Elements of Harmony. We will go to Ponyville at once." "Uhm...Princess, I have to ask. Why-" He was cut off by Luna's 'death' glare. "DO WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN TOLD! I will not handle to much stress in my mind right now." "Y..Yes Your Highness." Shining replied as he got to his work. 'I do hope I could get one last time with them.' Luna thought as she trotted out of her personal chambers. -15 Minutes Later- "Why Lulu? Why did you got us here in Ponyville?" Celestia asked her sister when Shining Armor got them gathered to Ponyville. "Why did you summon us here Your Highness?" Shining asked when he was also summoned. "You'll know." Luna replied as they waited and waited for the passing minutes go by. Suddenly, a thick swirling cloud of dust was spotted, and the ponies ran for their homes, except for the princesses, the Mane 6 and Shining Armor. Out of the blue, the same 'turtles' were spotted, and the Captain of the Royal Guards got into a defensive stance, but Luna assured it was no threat. The 'turtles' stop, giving some distance between them and the ponies. Luna trotted towards the 'turtles', and Celestia said: "LULU! WHAT IN EQUESTRIA ARE YOU DOING?!" "Relax Tia. They are no threat I assure you." Luna replied, still moving towards the Panzers. "Come out of there, men of the Afrika Korps! There is no harm in here for your kind." Immediately, something got on the top of the 'turtles' and got to see a face, a shaved ape face to be exact for the ponies. One after the other come out, revealing many shaved apes, with the supposed leader in front. "Ah Princess! I do hope you spotted that letter secretly attached on your wings." The leader said. "Don't worry Rommel. Captain Shining Armor here help me." Luna said, pointing her hoof at the Royal Guard. The creature moved towards Shining, bent down and said: "Hello Captain Shining Armor. I am Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, commanding officer of the Afrika Korps." When Shining heard the creatures rank and name, his jaw dropped to the floor. Nopony got to the rank of Field Marshal before, even today! Punctuated to the fact it's the commanding officer of the so-called 'Afrika Korps', he was more than enough to be afraid with this creature. "Don't worry. I'm the commanding officer of this group, and I ordered them before to attack if felt threatened." With an assuring sentence in his head, Shining Armor shook off his worries and said: "Phew. I though all of your men there are dangerous, to say at least with those 'turtles' there." He said, pointing his hoof at the Panzers. "Oh those. Those are the Panzers, and we owe them." Rommel replied. "Wait, so they obey your orders?" "Not really. We operate them you know." The creature replied, taking Shining Armor back. "Don't worry Shining. It's just that they are professional soldiers of their German-What was that now?" Luna asked. "German Wehrmacht. Means German Army. We are soldiers of the Afrika Korps, a division of men to fight in the hot deserts of North Africa to say at least." "Thank you. Now, if we could, I think it's a farewell to these humans." "Ja. I think we should." The human said, and walking towards his men, and shouted the order: "MEN! HONORARY GOODBYE SALUTE!" The leader about face and saluted, quickly being followed by the others. The ponies gazed at the humans, looking at exceptional awe at the Afrika Korps. They are very disciplined and well organized, easily surpassing the Royal Guards because of it. After the salute, the leader said: "Now, in a formal goodbye, we want to go back home in the date what I said in the letter. If one of your spells has it, then fired it at us, because we need to go." "It's okay Rommel. I know also you want to forget the memories of you and your men in here. I would gladly accept." Luna replied. "Then so be it." Rommel said, getting the men back to their Panzers and rolling back to their FOB. 'It will be a long day.' Luna chuckled in her mind, making the ponies confused in the matter. > Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The ponies followed the Panzers to their FOB, in which Celestia is now imagining a very beautiful building. However, when they arrived at the Afrika Korps main base, she quickly shook of that idea. 'I can't imagine their FOB is a simple tent.' Celestia thought as the ponies could see the men doing various jobs. They are now maintaining their Panzers, quickly checking something, and other things. They easily surpassed the Royal Guards in various ways, a little too much. Shining Armor, on the other hoof, quickly disgusted them because they didn't have armor, but wearings for them. He also hated them just by simply outclassing and outperforming his Royal Guards. However, Luna has the idea of having her Night Guards having the same ones like the Afrika Korps. 'I wonder what is they training like.' Luna thought as they quickly got into the FOB. "Okay, for the briefing of the transporting us back to our home, we need to discuss this like a major operation." Rommel said. "What kind of operation?" Shining asked. "This kind of operation, known as Home Front, will be a massive operation that will have massive preparations and timing, and will teleport back to our front lines in North Africa." "So your saying that you were teleported here by what exactly?" Celestia asked. "We were just planning on the defensive when a massive sandstorm hit us. Unfortunately, it teleported us here." Rommel said. "If your saying that we will need to teleport you all back where you came from and had no memories here, am I right?" Luna asked. "Yes that is correct. However, before we need to continue, we need to discuss how do you perform large-scale teleportation." Rommel replied. "How big is it?" Twilight asked. "Well, if I remember, we got 28 Panzers and 158 men including me. Also, we need to teleport the FOB." Rommel replied again. Twilight just stumbled upon the numbers. If there was 159 of them plus their 28 'Panzers', then that means it's 187 total. "That is a big operation. However, where should you have the teleportation?" Celestia replied. The men, now looking at them, got the ponies nervous, but they have their own work, so they didn't even mind. "Here actually. This is where the sandstorm transported us here and we will be transported here back to our designated location, September 1943, Tunisia, North Africa." The Field Marshal replied again. The ponies gasped. Not only these creatures have a calendar, but have well-manners to become a disciplined fighting force, much like the Griffons. "Okay, now for the procedure of the transportation. Does anyone of you knew the procedure?" The ponies looked at each other, trying to guest which one has the most knowledge. "I'm sorry Rommel, but it seems I'm the only who knew large-scale ones back when I'm in the moon." Luna replied. Celestia looked at her younger sister and said: "Your are not serious Lulu." "I am DEAD serious Tia. These 'humans' have been fighting for reason, and the consequences for not being part will be court martial or, if displacing cowardice, death by firing squad. So please, don't step in here sister." Luna said to her older sister with a serious glare. The men were impressed, that this particular pony will be a great leader someday to a military. "Impressive princess. That's how a commander of a unit should do, be dead serious and don't go like a fish out of the water." Rommel said. "Why thank you Rommel. I must say though, being a commander of a military could be stressful, not to mention being surrounded my a bunch of not-trained units." Luna replied. "HAHA! I know what it feels right?" The Lt. said. "Now, back to the discussion. Luna, since your the only one who knew about large-scale transportation, could you give us the steps?" Rommel asked. "Well, the steps is not that hard. The spell only requires a specific location to have it work, but needs a very large teleportation circle, and it will almost drain my magic." Luna replied. "It's a risk, although it could kill you, we will have to take." Rommel added. "But Lulu, I couldn't stand having you lost again, this time for good!" Celestia cried. "Tia, please don't weep for me. Although I'm gone for good, you could still find me in my realm, the night eternal and the moon." Luna replied. For Celestia's mind, losing Luna again would cause her to grief too much, but on the other hand, Luna will be there forever with her, even thought it's just the blanket of night. "Okay sister. I will trust you with this 'operation' for these creatures-" "Humans." "-Humans to go back to their place." Celestia said. "Thank you Tia." With the agreement now on track, the Afrika Korps and the ponies get to work in various ways. For the ponies part, their knowledge of the large-scale teleportation spell was largely from Princess Luna herself. But the spell, which requires days of training, and by the fact that the ponies are getting anxious, worried and nervous about 'Operation: Home Front', and also working with these strange biped creatures, as Luna called them 'humans'. For the Afrika Korps, their progress was much better than the ponies. Because they are more disciplined and knew more about military operations, and by the fact that they are led by the cunning Erwin Rommel, the Germans have a large progress ratio, which was estimated to be 10:2, and knew where to have their Panzers and equipments to be. After days of preparation and planning, 'Operation: Home Front' was finally set. Before the operation could begin, the humans and ponies celebrated what they accomplish, a party set-up by Pinkie Pie, the Element of Laughter. "So your saying that your division before in France was called 'Ghost' Division because?" Twilight asked the Field Marshal. "It was called like that because we are having a fast paced attack, and we are almost lost-in-track by our High Command." He replied. After partying for two hours, it's time for the operation to begin. The men got to their Panzers, while the Field Marshal and some other guys moved into the FOB. With a green signal, Princess Luna and the other ponies begin the spell. It was intensive, and could exhaust anyponies magic. After a few minutes(well maybe 45 minutes) the Afrika Korps were gone, back to their home world. The ponies relaxed first before they could go home, but for Luna, she stared the sky, muttering in her mind: 'We will meet again, Rommel.'